SR-22 Insurance in California

Drunk and impaired driving has become a serious concern for people across the country. In order to combat this, and other potentially hazardous and dangerous driving conditions, some states have started demanding a document known as a SR-22. Insurance quotes California drivers receive do not need to be high because of this form. Shift Insurance can help insure drivers that are required to produce SR-22 forms on demand when other insurance companies may not. It doesn’t have to be expensive either! Shift insurance compares insurance rates so that drivers can find cheap SR-22 insurance. California drivers can drive the I-5 and know that the drivers on the road with them are financially responsible should they cause any accidents.

As proof of financial responsibility the SR-22 is a form that is required for only specific drivers in California. SR-22 insurance forms may be required if a driver has any safety responsibility suspensions, unjustified judgment suspensions, a restricted license, has had a license revoked, or if the driver has been convicted of a DUI. If a license has been revoked after an uninsured car accident, in order to reinstate driving privileges a DMV may require that an SR-22 be provided by the driver.

Reinstating a Suspended License

In California, current law states that all insurance companies must electronically report the insurance information of a driver to the DMV. If an insurance company cancels a driver’s insurance and notifies the DMV of this cancellation, the driver will then receive a notice of vehicle registration suspension if new insurance information is not submitted to the DMV within 45 days. If a SR-22 is required that too will need to be submitted to the DMV in order for the vehicle registration to be reinstated or remain valid. If this is not submitted immediately the driver may have their license suspended due to the cancellation of the SR-22. Insurance quotes California drivers need in order to reinstate their driving privileges can be obtained with the help of our friendly Shift Insurance representatives.

It is important to note that regardless of an SR-22, not all individuals have the option to reinstate their driving privileges. In California license suspension can last as few as 30 days, or be in place for an indefinite amount of time. This is usually due to the driver being diagnosed with a permanent condition which will make it impossible for the individual to safely operate a motor vehicle. In an instance such as this, California SR-22 insurance forms are not beneficial.

The following are some instances were additional actions or SR-22 forms may be required:

Negligent Operator – If a driver is charged as a negligent operator, in order to continue driving they will be required to pay a reissue fee, any fines demanded by the court, and provide proof of financial responsibility. Once this has been done they will then be placed on negligent operator probation. In order to have your license reinstated you must make it through the probationary period without committing a traffic violation or getting into an accident that is considered avoidable.

DUI – Drivers who are charged with a DUI must finish either a prison term, complete the mandatory suspension period, or both. They will also then need to complete a DUI treatment program and file the Notice of Completion certificate. A reissue fee will then need to be paid and a SR-22 filed. It should be noted that if certain requirements are met a restricted license may be obtainable before the mandatory suspension period has passed.

Car Accident Without Insurance – Upon completion of a one year automatic suspension the reissue fee can be paid and an SR-22 form submitted as proof of financial responsibility. Cheap SR-22 insurance California residents need to reinstate a license can be obtained through Shift Insurance.

Additional situations may require a SR-22 document be submitted in order for car registration or license reinstatement. If you have any questions about whether or not a SR-22 document is required in your particular case, or if you would like to request a quote, please contact our friendly customer representatives. We would be happy to assist you.

Raphael Locsin is the principal agent at Shift Insurance. His goal is to help individuals and companies alike protect their assets and manage liabilities. He created this blog as a way to compile industry knowledge, resources, and general information for the purpose of consumer education.